Rendering in SketchUp

Part 3: Modeling Detail
Fig. 16.44: 
Chuck Vali’s website and Ruby Scripts
Fig. 16.45: 
The top, flat surface of the building is selected.
Fig. 16.46: 
With only one click, the Instant Roof Ruby Script adds a detailed roof.

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Part
4
Setting Light with 
Shadows

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290
Part 4: Setting Light with Shadows
ChaPter
17
the Shadow 
Menu
A
dding shadows to a model creates depth and contrast, and it adds a nice aesthetic value. 
Although no visible light source is available in SketchUp, objects will cast and receive 
shadows. IRPs cast light into a rendering using values entered into SketchUp’s Shadow menu 
to determine the quality of light (Fig. 17.1)
Fig. 17.1: 
The USDA building model render (Twilight Render)
At minimum, you should learn how to use the Shadow menu to set basic lighting for your 
renderings. This chapter reviews the basics of working with shadows and related tools. 
Chapter 18 further explores ways to use light to accentuate a rendering.
the SketchUp Shadow Menu
Turning on the Shadows tool in SketchUp will cast simulated light into the model. The simulated 
shadows are based on real-world values, including time, day, month, and direction of exterior 
light, which can be easily adjusted. Adjusting the values alters the length, contrast, and 
direction of the shadows.

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291
Chapter 17: The Shadow Menu
To find the SketchUp Shadow menu, select Window 
F
Shadows. Click the arrow at the 
top-right of the menu to expand the menu if any options are missing (Fig. 17.2).